Ray McGee, a descendant of a Civil War veteran, receives a certificate from James Rudd, a member of the Friends of Fort Massac. The certificates were awarded at a re-enactment of enlistments, which took place at Camp Massac 150 years ago. Approximately 40 descendants attended the event Saturday, which was part of the Fort Massac Civil War Commemoration.
— Planet photo by Clyde Wills

The events were all part of the Fort Massac Civil War Commemoration, sponsored by the Friends of Fort Massac.

Ann Laird provided names of local men who enlisted at Camp Massac.

Event co-chairmen Mike Korte and Clyde Wills, and Metropolis Tourism director Lindsey Light invited known descendants to attend a ceremony and receive a certificate. The descendants went through a military ceremony similar to their ancestors to claim their certificates.

Over 800 men enlisted in the 131st Illinois Voluntary Infantry in late 1862. Approximately 100 of them died of disease before ever leaving camp. Many others died or were killed in the battles south of here.

Men who enlisted in other units in southern Illinois suffered the same fate.

Speaking on the battles were Phil Shappard and Glen Bishop. Marlene Rivero portrayed a black nurse named Ann Stokes, who worked aboard the hospital ship, Red Rover, and at the Mound City hospital.